Dubai Customs nets biggest-ever haul of banned narcotic pills

Authorities at Dubai Customs' Jebel Ali and Tecom Centre thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1.5 tonnes of crushed Captagon.

The seizure of the banned stimulant is the biggest haul of its kind in the country. 

Customs teams received information regarding a high-risk shipment destined for Jebel Ali Port which they placed under observation during transit.

Upon arrival, the container was inspected and the banned substance was discovered to hold an estimated street value of AED1.4 billion. 

DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Sultan bin Sulayem, said safety and protecting our society was a strategic priority.

“This balance between protection, safety and security from one side and facilitating trade and tourism activity is not compromised," said bin Sulayem, "Dubai Customs’ people are very professional and always on the lookout for any illegitimate and suspicious activity without disrupting shipment clearance operations."

He said the operation is just one example of what they do to keep borders secure.

"Dubai is, and will always remain, a safe place for investment and trade following the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and in fulfilment of the emirate’s bold plans and projects.”

In the same vein, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Director General of Dubai Customs said; “We stand firmly against all attempts of smuggling through the emirate’s ports."

"This operation proves our customs centers’ readiness and potential to play their role in protecting society, even in this difficult time in which we still face the challenge of Covid-19,” he continued.

This major haul crowns the success of “Safe Homeland” campaign, launched by the Sea Customs Centre Management last May.